A nurse in an emergency room is caring for a client who sustained partial-thickness burns to both lower legs, chest, face, and both forearms. Which of the following is the priority action the nurse should take?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a thrombotic stroke is caused by a clot that forms in a cerebral artery, usually due to atherosclerosis. It typically occurs gradually and does not cause a sudden, severe headache or seizure.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because an embolic stroke is caused by a clot that travels from another part of the body, such as the heart, to a cerebral artery. It usually occurs abruptly and does not cause vomiting or fever.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a transient ischemic atack (TIA) is caused by a temporary interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. It usually lasts less than an hour and does not cause permanent brain damage or loss of consciousness.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, resulting in bleeding into the brain tissue or the subarachnoid space. It usually causes a sudden, severe headache, vomiting, seizure, and loss of consciousness. It can also cause elevated blood pressure, fever, and increased intracranial pressure.

Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because administering intravenous pain medication is not the priority action for a client who has sustained partial-thickness burns. Pain medication may be indicated for pain relief and comfort, but it does not address the potential life-threatening complications of burns such as shock, infection, or respiratory distress.

Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because drawing blood for a CBC count is not the priority action for a client who has sustained partial-thickness burns. A CBC count may be useful to monitor the hematological status and detect any signs of infection or anemia, but it does not address the immediate needs of the client

Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority action for a client who has sustained partial-thickness burns. A urinary catheter may be necessary to measure the urine output and assess the renal function and fluid balance, but it does not address the most urgent problem of the client.

Choice D Reason: This choice is correct because inspecting the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries is the priority action for a client who has sustained partial-thickness burns. Inhalation injuries are caused by inhaling hot air, smoke, or toxic gases that damage the airway and lungs. They can cause airway obstruction, bronchospasm, pulmonary edema, or respiratory failure. Therefore, the nurse should inspect the mouth for signs such as soot, singed nasal hairs, burns on the lips or tongue, hoarseness, stridor, or wheezes. The nurse should also monitor the oxygen saturation and arterial blood gases to assess the oxygenation and ventilation status of the client.